Nutrient demand, disease, and weed management starts at soil level.

Crop nutrient demand, soil, and unique local seasonal challenges are the themes for the Agronomy Summit stop on Jan. 16 at Monroe County Annex, Waterloo. Attendees will hear research updates from university experts to gain insightful tips for making farm management decisions.

Illinois Extension has worked to increase agriculture staff numbers to reach more local farmers and open communication channels. With those channels established, events like Agronomy Summits can be more customized, and staff can deliver updates on relevant topics that farmers are experiencing on their farms today.

Attendees will walk away from summit events with research updates, resources, and new connections in their communities. The event is built to provide agriculturalists with tools and management considerations for continued farming success.

Waterloo Agenda 

8:30 a.m.       Registration

9:00                 Meeting Crop Nutrient Demand with Changing Soil Test Levels
                          Presenter: John Jones

9:45                 Disease Management Update for Field Crops
                          Presenter: Carl Bradley

10:30              Break   

10:45              Weed Management Strategies 
                         Presenter: Karla Gage

11:30              Speciality Crops Update: TBD
                         Presenter: Nathan Johanning

12:15 p.m.    Lunch  

1:15                 Local Speakers Panel: TBD
                          Presenter: TBD

2:30                 Adjourn 

Continuing education units are available for Certified Crop Advisers at the in-person event. The cost to attend is $25, and registration is required by Jan. 10 at go.illinois.edu/AGSWaterloo. Registration includes all presentations and lunch for the Waterloo event location. 

About Agronomy Summits

Expanding from one event in northern Illinois last year to now six, Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits are touring throughout the state this January 2025. Attendees can expect topical sessions filled with the latest research updates from various crop science experts at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Illinois Extension, as well as additional university and industry professionals.

Additional Summit Locations

• Peoria Agronomy Summit | Jan. 14
• Springfield Agronomy Summit | Jan. 21
• Oglesby Agronomy Summit | Jan. 23
• Southeastern Agronomy Summit | Albion, Jan. 28
• Northwestern Agronomy Summit | Freeport, Jan. 29